Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the news that the Committee on Education and Skills will recommend an end to the so-called baptism barrier. This good news is long overdue. I was disappointed that on the Commencement this morning, the Minister confirmed he did not propose to introduce any change on the matter of religious denomination on Committee Stage of the Education (Admission to Schools) Bill. This is a missed opportunity. The country we live in today is different from the country of 60 or 70 years ago. One in five parents baptise children to ensure that they gain entry to a school and 45% of those who identify as non-religious are young people who will have children in later years. We need legislation that reflects society, which the current law does not.

It is bizarre. In Limerick, we had to wait six months to get a headmaster appointed to my children's school because the Catholic bishop was not ready to appoint someone to the interview committee. In this day and age, I as a republican cannot understand why the Catholic Church still controls 96% of national schools. If we believe in republican principles, it is up to us all to work towards a true separation of church and State.

On the basis of the Minister's reply this morning, I call on him to attend the House for a debate on this important issue. It is high time that we embrace true equality and republican principles. It is high time that we get rid of this baptism barrier.